AI vs Real People: Which Makes Roleplaying More Enjoyable?

For years now, roleplaying has been a major part of our social structure. Roleplaying, of course, comes in many forms. Many people enjoy using roleplay to transport themselves and their friend(s) into a fantasy realm or a sci-fi world. From games like Dungeons & Dragons to self-made scenarios, roleplaying has been around for a long time. Today, though, roleplaying isn’t just for humans to enjoy!

The rise of artificial intelligence shows no signs of slowing down. That’s even true of the roleplaying world. Figures suggest that the AI-driven roleplay market could be worth upwards of one billion USD by the end of the decade. Countless platforms now exist that allow us to self-create a character – or characters – that are operated by an AI chatbot instead of an individual. What’s more fun, though?

AI VS Real Person Roleplay: What’s The Best Experience?

The simple answer here is that there is no right or wrong answer, as vague as that may be. It all depends on the circumstances.

An AI Chat RP Is Better Than A Disengaged Person

The best way to look at what’s better is down to the people you RP with. If you try to roleplay with someone who is uninterested or misinformed about the topic(s) at hand, it can become challenging. If you RP with someone who isn’t used to RP settings or playing by the rules of the game, it can lead to frustration for the person running the RP session. 

In these cases, it would be fair to say that an AI chatbot would be better. The simple reason is that an AI RP chat companion is engaged and follows the rules of the game. They aren’t likely to start breaking the fourth wall or arguing with the Games Master – unless, of course, you ask for the AI RP to be like that!

Creating A Group Is Easier With AI RP Chat Bots

Another benefit of going down the AI route is that it’s easier to have multiple people involved. Most AI RP systems provide the ability to create not just one participant, but many. As such, if your RP session was to involve several performers or players, you can quickly generate an entire party.

Finding just one person to RP with can be tough, especially if you are going down a more adult route. Including many people in the same experiences is not easy to say the least; it can be tough to find several people who are motivated and able to start playing.

Time matters, too. Not all of your RP group is likely to be available at all times to take part. As such, you can find yourself having to make do with a smaller party than intended, diminishing the experience. AI RP chatbots, by contrast, are available when you want them to be.

Humans Provide Greater Emotional Connection

So, in our view, AI RP bots win when it comes to commitment, availability and numbers. However, it would be a stretch to say that even the best AI RP chatbot could create the same engagement and variety as a real person who is available, intrigued by the RP story, and willing to let themselves take part in full.

You get a greater emotional experience when RPing with another person; it’s almost impossible to argue otherwise. You also get the dynamic of knowing that their responses are genuine; AI RP bots, if you use them enough, can begin to become a little predictable. Also, your human companions are more likely to dispute ideas and allow for debate that adds a more unique energy to the RP session.

Human RP Fosters Lasting Social Connections

There is also the other main benefit of using humans over an AI RP bot: building a real connection.

If you RP with a chatbot, it can be fun. Sometimes, more enjoyable than trying to get a group of people who may have other things going on in their lives. However, when you start your next RP session, there isn’t that same human connection of having enjoyed a shared adventure together. While AI RP bots do their best to build on previous sessions, it’s not the same as a real person.

Away from the RP session, you now have a more developed relationship with the individual(s) who took part in your RP experience. With a chatbot, it’s simply waiting for you to return to continue the game or start afresh. There isn’t that same idea that you can look to one another and appreciate the shared bonds, debates, disputes and in-universe trials and successes.

So, is there a right answer? Not really. Everyone will have their own preferences. Some prefer that AI RP bots go with the flow, play to the rules exactly as needed, and stick to the script. If you want a more chaotic and authentic experience, though, there is nothing more enjoyable than sharing an RP session with a real person or a group of people. AI RP bots, though, are the ideal substitute when you are short on committed companions, time, or patience.